As a Mile High City dweller, I’ve always been fascinated by how Denver has inspired musicians across genres and generations. Our city, nestled at the foot of the majestic Rocky Mountains, has a unique charm that’s captured the hearts of artists and songwriters alike. From the crisp mountain air to the vibrant urban culture, Denver offers a wealth of inspiration that’s been translated into melodies and lyrics time and time again.
In this playlist, we’ll explore 10 songs that pay homage to our beloved Denver. These tracks span decades and musical styles, each offering a unique perspective on what makes our city so special. Whether you’re a long-time local or a newcomer to the Queen City of the Plains, these songs will resonate with your Denver experience and perhaps even reveal new facets of our dynamic metropolis.
Contents
- 1. “Get Out of Denver” by Bob Seger
- 2. “Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band
- 3. “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver
- 4. “Denver” by Willie Nelson
- 5. “A Mile High in Denver” by Jimmy Buffett
- 6. “Denver Haircut” by The Hold Steady
- 7. “40 Miles From Denver” by Yonder Mountain String Band
- 8. “Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead” by Warren Zevon
- 9. “Lucky Denver Mint” by Jimmy Eat World
- 10. “Commerce City Sister” by DeVotchKa
1. “Get Out of Denver” by Bob Seger
Released in 1974, “Get Out of Denver” was Bob Seger’s attempt to write a Chuck Berry-style rocker. Despite its title, the song isn’t actually based on any real-life experience in Denver. Seger admitted he chose Denver for its cadence in the lyrics, saying “Albuquerque wouldn’t fit”.
The song peaked at No. 80 on the Billboard chart. Despite its modest chart performance, it became a live favorite and a classic rock staple. Seger often performed it during his concerts, including his first-ever Denver gig at Ebbets Field in July 1974.
“Get Out of Denver” has been covered by several artists over the years, including Dave Edmunds, Eddie & the Hot Rods, and Dr. Feelgood in the following decade.
2. “Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band
While not explicitly about Denver, “Colder Weather” captures the essence of traveling through places like Denver. Released in 2010, it became one of Zac Brown Band’s most successful singles.
The song was inspired by a real-life long-distance relationship between co-writer Wyatt Durrette and a woman from Kansas City. The lyrics tell the story of a traveling musician torn between his love for a woman and his need to be on the road.
“Colder Weather” is notable for its emotional depth and storytelling. It uses weather as a metaphor for the challenges faced in the relationship. The song’s bridge, which was a last-minute addition, completes the narrative arc and adds to its poignancy.
3. “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver
Released in 1972, “Rocky Mountain High” became John Denver’s signature song and an anthem for Colorado. Unlike the previous two songs, this one is deeply rooted in Denver’s personal experiences in Colorado.
The inspiration came during Denver’s first summer living in Aspen. While camping with friends, he witnessed the Perseid meteor shower, which left a profound impact on him. The song took nine months to complete, unusually long for Denver, who typically wrote songs much faster.
“Rocky Mountain High” is rich in imagery, describing the natural beauty of Colorado’s mountains, forests, and skies. It also touches on themes of personal rebirth and finding one’s true home.
The song stirred some controversy due to the use of the word “high,” which some interpreted as a drug reference. Denver even had to testify before Congress to explain its true meaning.
In 2007, “Rocky Mountain High” was named Colorado’s second official state song, cementing its place in the state’s cultural heritage. The song’s legacy extends far beyond Colorado, helping to put the Rocky Mountain region on the map for many people around the world.
4. “Denver” by Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson’s “Denver” is a lesser-known track from his extensive catalog. The song paints a picture of the city as a place of both opportunity and heartbreak. Nelson’s distinctive voice and storytelling ability shine through as he describes the experiences of people drawn to the Mile High City.
The lyrics touch on themes of hope and disappointment, reflecting the reality of life in a growing urban center. Nelson’s country-folk style perfectly captures the spirit of Denver as a gateway to the West, blending elements of rural and city life.
While not as famous as some of his other works, “Denver” showcases Nelson’s ability to create vivid imagery and emotional depth in his songwriting. The track resonates with listeners who have experienced the ups and downs of life in a bustling city like Denver.
5. “A Mile High in Denver” by Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett’s “A Mile High in Denver” is a playful, upbeat song that captures the laid-back atmosphere and high altitude of the city. Released in 1985 on his album “Last Mango in Paris,” the song is characteristic of Buffett’s signature tropical rock style.
The lyrics cleverly play on the double meaning of being “high” in Denver, referring both to the city’s elevation and the relaxed, carefree lifestyle Buffett associates with the place. He sings about the joy of being in Denver, away from the pressures of everyday life.
Buffett’s catchy melody and easygoing vocals make “A Mile High in Denver” a fun, lighthearted tribute to the city. The song captures the spirit of escape and adventure that Denver represents for many visitors and residents alike.
6. “Denver Haircut” by The Hold Steady
“Denver Haircut” by The Hold Steady, released in 2019, is a more recent addition to the canon of Denver-themed songs. This indie rock track is part of the band’s album “Thrashing Thru the Passion” and showcases their signature storytelling style.
The song doesn’t focus solely on Denver but uses the city as a backdrop for a larger narrative. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a character’s experiences, touching on themes of identity, change, and the search for meaning. The “Denver Haircut” serves as a metaphor for transformation and new beginnings.
Craig Finn’s distinctive vocals and the band’s driving rock sound create an energetic backdrop for the story. The song’s references to specific Denver locations and experiences add authenticity and depth to the narrative.
“Denver Haircut” demonstrates how contemporary artists continue to find inspiration in the city of Denver, using it as a setting for exploring broader themes of American life and personal growth.
7. “40 Miles From Denver” by Yonder Mountain String Band
Yonder Mountain String Band, a progressive bluegrass group from Nederland, Colorado, released “40 Miles From Denver” as part of their repertoire. The song showcases the band’s signature blend of traditional bluegrass instrumentation with a modern, jam-band approach.
The lyrics likely reflect the band’s experiences and connection to the Denver area, given their Colorado roots. Yonder Mountain String Band’s music often incorporates themes of travel, nature, and the Rocky Mountain lifestyle, which are probably present in this track as well.
The band’s lineup has evolved over the years, but their core sound remains centered around skilled musicianship on traditional bluegrass instruments like banjo, mandolin, and fiddle. “40 Miles From Denver” likely features the tight harmonies and intricate instrumental work that have made Yonder Mountain String Band a favorite in both bluegrass and jam band circles.
8. “Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead” by Warren Zevon
Warren Zevon, known for his sardonic wit and dark humor, released “Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead” on his 1991 album “Mr. Bad Example”. The song title was later used for a 1995 neo-noir film, though Zevon’s track was only featured in the end credits due to some legal wrangling.
True to Zevon’s style, the song likely combines clever wordplay with a rock edge. While not explicitly about Denver, the city serves as a backdrop for Zevon’s musings on mortality and adventure. The track showcases Zevon’s talent for crafting narratives that are both humorous and poignant.
“Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead” became one of Zevon’s more recognizable later-career songs, demonstrating his enduring ability to capture listeners’ imaginations with his unique lyrical perspective.
9. “Lucky Denver Mint” by Jimmy Eat World
Released in 1999, “Lucky Denver Mint” by Jimmy Eat World became an influential track in the emo and alternative rock scenes. Despite its title, the song isn’t actually about Denver but rather about getting drunk in Las Vegas, according to guitarist/vocalist Jim Adkins.
The song features Jimmy Eat World’s characteristic blend of emotional lyrics, driving guitar riffs, and catchy melodies. It gained significant airplay on modern rock radio stations across the United States, helping to establish the band’s wider popularity.
“Lucky Denver Mint” was included on the soundtrack of the film “Never Been Kissed,” which further increased its exposure. The track’s success contributed to Jimmy Eat World’s growing influence in the emo genre and paved the way for their breakthrough album “Bleed American” in 2001.
10. “Commerce City Sister” by DeVotchKa
DeVotchKa, a Denver-based indie band, offers a melancholic perspective on the Denver metropolitan area with “Commerce City Sister”. This song, unlike many others about Denver, focuses on the less glamorous aspects of urban life in Colorado.
The track opens with a plea for comfort, setting a somber tone. The lyrics describe a series of misfortunes experienced in Commerce City, a suburb northeast of Denver, including financial loss and heartbreak. The narrator expresses a desire never to return to Commerce City, highlighting the pain associated with the place.
DeVotchKa’s unique blend of indie and punk influences creates a haunting backdrop for the lyrics. The song paints a picture of a long night filled with whiskey and abandonment, culminating in a desperate need for safety and comfort.
“Commerce City Sister” offers a raw, emotional perspective on life in the Denver area, contrasting sharply with more romanticized portrayals of the city. It showcases DeVotchKa’s ability to capture the complexities of urban experiences, adding depth to the musical landscape of Denver-themed songs.
Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.